BMI Calculator

BMI Calculator

BMI or Body mass index (BMI) measures body fat. Your BMI is based on your weight and height. If you input your weight, height and size into a BMI calculator, you'll get an amount. That number is one way to determine if you're at an unhealthy or healthy weight.

Calculate Your BMI

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Once you've got the BMI number, refer to the chart below to determine the need for weight gain, maintain your weight or shed weight.

BMI Chart- Adults (Age 20+)

BMI	Weight Status
Below 18.5	Underweight
18.5 - 24.9	Normal or Healthy Weight
25.0 - 29.9	Overweight
30.0 and above	Obese

It is important to note that the BMI calculator for adolescents and children differs than the one for adults. While it uses height and weight in addition to age and gender. This is because female and male height and weight fluctuate during growth and growth. For children, BMI is expressed as a percentile as compared to other children of the same age gender

BMI Chart- Children and Teens (Ages 2 to 19)

Weight Status	Percentile Range
Underweight	5 1/5 percentile
Normal or Healthy Weight	5 the to 85 th percentile
Overweight	85 the to 95 the percentile
Obese	95 95% percentile or higher

If you're concerned about your BMI and/or your child's, then speak with your physician.

Path to improved health

If your BMI indicates that you're overweight or obese you can lower your BMI , by losing weight. It can be accomplished using the most common weight-loss strategies for example:

• Dietary health is important. Choose lean meats and fruits, vegetables, as well as whole grain. Limit alcohol, sugar, processed foods, sodas and juices. Consume fewer calories.
• Exercise regularly.This includes cardio and weight-bearing exercises to build muscle and lose weight. This can be effective in reducing belly fat. Belly fat is a risk factor for certain health conditions. Always talk to your doctor before starting a fitness program.
• Be aware of your portion control. Be careful not to eat too much during meals or snacks.

If your child's BMI is high (above the 85 ^{percentile) or is above the 85} percentile) Talk to your physician about ways you can assist him or her shed weight.

Things to be considered

If your BMI is indicating that you're overweight or obese, you could be at risk for developing certain diseases. These include arthritis, heart disease and certain types of cancer. BMI can't be used to diagnose disease. But, it's an important marker that should motivate you to have a meeting with your physician regarding ways to lose weight and lower your BMI.

These tools should be guides only. Do not rely on them to make any decisions regarding your well-being or your child's. Always consult with your doctor regarding your medical condition(s) and/or circumstances before making any changes to your lifestyle.

Your doctor may have questions.

• What should I do if I am concerned with your child's body weight?
• When should I begin taking a look at my BMI? How often should I test it?
• Do I have to be a certain weight?
• What is my child's ideal weight?
• Does BMI account for muscle?
• How can I cut down my BMI?
• How can I help my child decrease the BMI of their child?
• How do I reduce BMI?